Minister of State (Seniors) Promotes Healthy and Active Aging

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 27, 2009) - The Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister of State (Seniors), participated with health and social service providers today at a community health summit organized by VHA Health and Home Support to promote awareness of seniors issues.

"Seniors are valuable members of society who contribute a diversity of skills, knowledge and experience to their families and communities," said Minister LeBreton. "Our government is steadfast in our commitment to improve the well-being of Canada's growing and diverse seniors population, and to promote positive and active aging."

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of helping seniors remain healthy, active and socially engaged, and is supporting these goals through such initiatives as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which has funded more than 5,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, including Ottawa, since its beginning.

Minister LeBreton spoke about federal initiatives that are helping to improve seniors' well-being and quality of life, including some announced through Canada's Economic Action Plan and other measures undertaken since 2006:

- Helping senior veterans remain healthy and independent in their homes and in their communities through the Veterans Independence Program;

- Supporting positive and active aging through programs such as the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, which is helping people of all ages and abilities feel welcome in their communities;

- Providing approximately $1.9 billion annually in tax relief to seniors and pensioners;

- Investing $13 million over three years to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and to provide information on what support is available; and

- Providing $400 million over two years through the Affordable Housing Initiative for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors.

The Government of Canada will continue to work with other levels of government and partners in the private and not-for-profit sectors to support Canada's aging population.

For more information on the Government's programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.